The Source Magazine UAE Issue 215

Issue 215 | 3 September

www.thesourceuae.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Mohammed Al Neyadi MANAGING DIRECTOR Wendy Peach CONTRIBUTORS

Aakanksha Tangri Debbie Nicol

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Time to go Back to School

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CONTENTS FEATURES 10. Garden City British School aces safety inspection for re-opening

30. All-New Hyundai Tucson Adds Revolutionary Redesign

12. Adek launches disruptive ‘42 Abu Dhabi’ CODING SCHOOL

32. Experience a summer like nowhere else on Yas Island

14. Safety without sacrifice for your skin

35. Insurancemarket.ae & Spotii launch cost-free car insurance payment scheme

16. Relationships @work have impact 18. Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme Marks its 25th Year with a New Milestone 20. Intertek Protek Launches Sur face Hygiene Testing 22. The truth on male self-esteem and societal pressures 24. McDonald’s launches scheduled Pick-Up Service in the UAE 26. Registrations open for Ice Warrior Challenge XI 28. The Ultimate Ice Driving Expe rience in Finland 29. A day pass at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

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36. Parents must turn to chidren’s wellness needs ahead of school reopening 38. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve nominated for Middle East’s Responsible Tourism Award 41. Birds Of Prey Flying In The Sky Of Al Ain Zoo Again

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42. Al Ain Zoo offers special services for elderly visitors and people of determination 44. Al Ain Zoo supports global partnerships for wildlife conservation 46. Kids Corner

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49. Puzzle

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Garden City British School aces safety inspection for re-opening

Our support staff, along with the Admin team decided to go the extra mile and worked long hours to sanitize the school on a daily basis and simultaneously making provision in the classrooms for the students to be seated with the new norm of social distancing.

It was no surprise for us as the school sailed through the Safety Inspection that was conducted before the reopening of the school. It was quite a relief to have an affirmation that the school had complied with all the safety requirements as prescribed by ADEK. This facilitated in starting our school year as planned.

With this and the entire staff having a negative COVID-19 test result, the school ushered in the teachers and threw open its gates wide to welcome our new staff to meet the requirements of our growing numbers.

“Back to school” this year at Garden City British School, as for everyone else, was quite different. However, we approached it as a space for children to grow, learn and continue in their process of becoming awesome and responsible individuals. We pride ourselves in providing our pupils with an environment that capsules terrific teachers, fabulous friends and a super school year in every way possible! We believe that every New Year is synonymous to new opportunities.

It has been truly spectacular to see our teachers being effective in managing to teach both face to face and online simultaneously.

It seemed as if they had a predilection and prowess to go beyond expectations. While, for our pupils, meeting their friends after almost six months was truly a moment of subdued excitement and the start of making and renewing connections.

The preparations for this school year has been quite different from that of the past.

It has been very strange and ironic – masks, sanitizers and disinfectant wipes instead of papers, pencils, and books; professional development focus shifted from pedagogy to COVID – 19 awareness; books to laptops and iPads; real to virtual to mention a few.

Nonetheless, the agenda of Garden City British School, in spite of these unprecedented times, is to ensure that learning happens and that our pupils are successful in their learning. Brian Herbert has said, “The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” Garden City British School well mirrors this concept as we believe that every child at our school has the gift of learning as each of them endeavour to do their best and the teachers fervently take on the responsibility of instilling the skills they require and together we support the students in making the right choices. With this focus we surge forward to an exhilarating year full of novel expectations.

But Garden City British School was well prepared and took to the situation as fish takes to water.

Readiness, preparation, safety, procedures were some of the words that kept ringing in our years as we were gearing towards the reopening of the school and awaiting the pupils return to their class rooms. Keeping the safety of our children as priority, the first step that the school took was to fumigate its premises to ensure that the school has no trace of the invisible and unwelcomed visitor that has gained popularity in recent times.

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Adek launches disruptive ‘42 Abu Dhabi’ CODING SCHOOL to amplify EMIRATE’S ‘FUTURE-READY’ education ambitions The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced the UAE capital will open the first GCC campus of the internationally renowned 42 Network of coding and computer programming schools early next year.

gic Dialogue, which has played a principal role in institutionalizing the two nations’ bilateral cooperation across mutual areas of interest, 42 Abu Dhabi follows both countries recently reaffirming their long-term commitment to enhance innovative exchange in sectors including culture, education, advanced sciences, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, medtech and agritech.

A major enabler in Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision to create a diverse and inclusive education infrastructure that empowers and enables a future-ready workforce, 42 Abu Dhabi will welcome students in February 2021. The new campus is an initiative of Ghadan 21, Abu Dhabi’s three-year government accelerators programme that aims to fast-track the emirate’s economic transformation through investments in the economy, knowledge, and community to support business, innovation, and people.

“Our strategic partnership with France has always emphasized education, expertise exchange, and technology & innovation, with particular focus on those specialties that contribute to the UAE’s long-term growth and economic diversification. 42 Abu Dhabi is an outcome of that shared ambition,” said His Excellency Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, and Co-Chair of the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue.

An innovative and disruptive coding school built on the philosophy that everyone deserves the opportunity to explore their talent, the purpose-built 42 Abu Dhabi campus will offer a revolutionary approach to divergent and gamified learning in the heart of the UAE capital’s historic Mina Zayed warehouses district.

Underlining the ongoing bilateral ties shared by France and the UAE, His Excellency Ludovic Pouille, the French Ambassador to the UAE, added: “It is no secret that the UAE and France have an extraordinary history of collaboration and shared ambitions in areas such as culture, technology advancement and multi-sector industry development. In strengthening the strategic bond between our countries, 42 Abu Dhabi will deliver an innovative education benchmark to further enhance our nations’ productive bilateral relations for years to come.”

42 Abu Dhabi will follow the tuition-free model of coding and programming education pioneered by French billionaire Xavier Niel, who founded the Network’s inaugural campus in Paris, École 42, in 2013. In only seven years, the expanding 42 Network of schools has grown to over 20 globally. 42 Abu Dhabi, the first of its kind in the GCC, will accommodate up to 750 students once fully operational.

Operating a project-based, problem-based and peerto-peer learning methodology endorsed by global tech luminaries including Evan Spiegel, Co-Founder & CEO of Snapchat, Jack Dorsey, Co-Founder & CEO of Twitter, Keyvon Beykpour, Co-Founder & CEO of Periscope, and Brian Chesky, Co-Founder & CEO of Airbnb, amongst others, 42 Abu Dhabi students will learn at their own pace and develop through collaboration and creativity.

“Establishing 42 Abu Dhabi underlines our commitment to provide next-generation education pathways to strategically upskill and nurture a future-ready workforce on a local and regional level,” said Her Excellency Sara Musallam, Chairman, ADEK. “By making coding and code-thinking accessible to people of all levels and abilities, 42 Abu Dhabi embodies the emirate’s vision for a tech-enabled business ecosystem and contributes to our leaders’ vision to build a secure and confident society that is competitive, sustainable and open.”

“The 42 Network aims to contribute to the development of an open and ethical world, without discrimination and without boundaries in terms of generation, culture or geography. As a pioneer of digital schools, we are moving ahead with the 42 Network while staying true to our DNA and the values we promote, without compromising on the excellence of education. In Abu Dhabi, we

The latest bilateral milestone in the UAE-France StrateThe Source

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have found the perfect partner to expand our mission and values to a new world of coders across the Arabian Gulf,” said Sophie Viger, CEO, 42 Network.

42 Abu Dhabi’s fully trained coding cohorts will significantly expand the ecosystem of skilled practitioners to propel private and public sector development, with students learning to master soft skills, creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, as well as how to work in teams, according to Majid Al Shamsi, Director of Higher Education Business Development at ADEK and Project Lead on 42 Abu Dhabi.

“No previous coding experience is required of 42 Abu Dhabi students, however students must be curious, committed, proactive, and creative, and must possess an innate ability to adapt and collaborate. This school will upskill our local and regional talent pool and provide a huge boost to partners in every professional sector who need tech talent to meet the demands of digitisation today and in the future,” said Al Shamsi.

Candidates interested in applying to 42 Abu Dhabi, must be 18 years old and above, and can register now at www.42AbuDhabi.ae to conduct an online pre-selection assessment which evaluates cognitive capacity via logic and memory tests. Successful pre-selection candidates are then invited to ‘The Piscine’, an immersive month-long program testing motivation, endurance, and commitment. Successful candidates will be invited to join the inaugural cohort of 42 Abu Dhabi after all ‘The Piscine’ assessments are completed.

For more information, visit www.42AbuDhabi.ae

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SAFETY WITHOUT SACRIFICE FOR YOUR SKIN The new essential accessory in everyone’s wardrobe is undoubtedly a PPE Mask or Face Covering. Now compulsory while out of the house and on the go, you are likely to be wearing one a lot more in the coming weeks and months. Just as we adjust to the new ways of life during this pandemic, our skin is also adjusting to life behind a mask.

MASKNE If you have an existing breakout or have broken out since wearing your mask, it is important to tackle this and not let it worsen by recovering your face. Only wear your face covering when needed and let your skin breathe as much as possible. Treat skin with blemish fighting ingredients. The Spots + Blemish Face Mask (AED 24) is packed with Tea Tree, Witch hazel and Salicylic acid. Salicylic Acid’s antimicrobial properties make it extremely effective at treating breakouts. It has the ability to penetrate into the pore lining and exfoliate inside the pore as well as on the surface of the skin, which makes it effective for reducing breakouts.

Whilst necessary for our protection, PPE Masks and face coverings do not come without their own problems.

They can spread or cause acne, dubbed Maskne by the press and it’s on the rise. Some fabrics can cause your skin to dry out and if they fit poorly, can cause skin irritation. Looking after your skin is more important than ever and prevention is better than cure.

PROTECTION Finally, protection from the virus is key so a correctly fitting medical grade PPE Mask or Face Covering is essential, but you can help protect your skin whilst wearing your face covering. You want to create a barrier between your skin and mask to reduce friction. You can do this by keeping your skin moisturised. The Prime & Refine Face Mask (AED 30) contains antioxidant rich pomegranate which protects the skin and brightens. Its hydro blur technology helps reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines in just 3 minutes, leaving you the perfect base for make-up or brighter flawless skin if you want to ditch the make-up for the day!

Here are some top tips from Skin Republic HQ to tackle “Maskne” and all the problems face coverings can bring.

CLEANSING Wearing a close-fitting fabric to your face can spread any bacteria which is already sat on your skin; it is important to keep both your skin and your face covering clean.

We recommend changing your face covering daily and washing it in a gentle detergent that will not cause skin irritation. The Purifying Bubble + Charcoal Face Mask (AED 30) is perfect for a deep cleanse – the oxygenating bubbles delve into pores, lifting away bacteria, dirt and impurities

All Skin Republic Masks are dermatologist tested and are not tested on animals. Skin Republic masks have a three-year shelf life available at Lifestyle stores, Community Pharmacy, Boots Pharmacy and online on www. carrefouruae.com , www.mumzworld.com, www. goldenscent.com/ , www.sprii.ae , www.amazon.ae and www.noon.com.

HYDRATING Some fabrics can absorb the natural oils our skin produces leaving skin feeling dry. Added humidity can also leave our skin dehydrated so it’s important to remove or change your face covering when it becomes damp as this is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. After wearing a face covering, invest a little time into your skin with a 15-minute Hydrating Face Sheet Mask such as the Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen

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To learn more about the story of the Skin Republic brand, visit www.theskinrepublic.com and keep up with the latest news on Instagram @Skinrepublic

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AED 30

AED 30

AED 24

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would classify a particular person they had worked with as a poor leader. Typical responses included ‘I felt put down’, I was used’, ‘he ignored me’, ‘I was left isolated and uncared for’, ‘I never knew where I stood’. Moreover, all responded negatively at the suggestion of a possible return to work with that person. This last sentence clearly showed a lack of respect for the relationship that still exists well beyond the previous physical presence. *Research: The Leadership Challenge, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner

Relationships @work have impact Any organization has a set of relationships at its core, which contribute to dependency. In short, when a relationship is not healthy, the dependency will mirror this, negatively impacting the efficiency of productivity and results.

It’s clear that leadership depends on healthy relationships and I would go even further saying that leadership IS first and foremost a relationship! Significant performance comes from healthy relationships that make people feel confident, welcomed, dignified and respected.

Traditionally, demands for increased efficiencies are initially distributed to the top of the organization where conventional managerial relationships exist. It is assumed that those managers with a top position are ‘leaders’ and leaders naturally have followers; indeed, any leader without a follower is simply strolling around in circles, feeling lonely. Such long-standing assumptions do not serve well in the 21st century, and therefore what is ‘supposed’ to work does not always do so. In the light of that, true leaders understand the importance of earning followership, especially in this day and age. This followership will depend on the quality of the relationship that exists between the one who aspires to lead and those who aspire to follow.

More often than not, inefficiencies manifest themselves at the operational level of organizations and have direct impact on the customer. This level is one rarely visited by ‘those at the top’, opening possibility for this inefficiency to go ‘unnoticed’. What could a senior leader introduce into the space of relationship with his/her frontline team to ensure inefficiencies are not only exposed and willingly identified but also welcomed as a great opportunity for improvement?

1. Environments with open minds, fueled by a genuine curiosity Questions have a fabulous way of uniting people, given that they encourage the sharing of thoughts, opinions and expertise. Questions have the ability to teach us something (if we listen to the answer) while showing a deep respect for others being ‘of value’.

When a research* study enquired as to why respondents would classify a particular person they had worked with as a great leader, typical words that showed up included ‘they made me feel empowered’, ‘I grew tremendously working with them’, ‘I felt significant and cared about’, ‘it was energizing’. Moreover, all responded positively at the suggestion of possible return to work with that person should the opportunity arise. This last sentence clearly showed a deep respect for the relationship that still exists well beyond a physical presence. Reiterating a similar trend with the converse reality, the same research study asked why respondents The Source

Should an environment contain closed minds, fueled by disciplinary priorities and hierarchical control, any and all chance of understanding another’s perspective is lost forever.

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2. An everyday language that prioritizes service and service gaps

Feedback has often been interpreted as ‘I’m going to receive a negative message now, yet just sugar-coated in a polite way. An organization will know great relationships exist when feedback is given even before its asked, and exists in both positive and negative circumstances.

When service is known as an organizational priority and is a focus every single day, it sends a message of the need for excellence. It also allows every possible chance for service to be explored and discussed. It carries with it an identity that ‘we are service’, encouraging each and every individual to find ways to contribute.

Healthy relationships thrive with openness, within an environment which encourages consistent involvement, and as such, this article aims to be a ‘business case’ for healthy and positive relationships in the workplace.

If the topic of service is only referred to when a problem or service gap is identified, it carries with it an underlying tone of mistakes and discipline, causing team members to become quite cautious about meetings. They withdraw and hope in silence that their name is not drawn into the discussion and do not actively contribute.

So if leadership is indeed a relationship, is it only those with a title who can lead, build relationships and own improvement in an organization? Absolutely not. Clearly, however those with a title set the tone for leadership on all levels and should be accountable for what’s in the ‘space’ between all team members that facilitates that tone.

3. A genuine interest in feedback and involvement

What is being mirrored in the behaviors of the people in your organization - silence, suspicion and sweeping assumptions or collaboration, consideration and genuine curiosity? If wondering where that might be coming from, simply turn to the relationship for hidden clues.

Nothing can work in isolation, showing that in today’s changing world, collaborative approaches are the only possible way to improve. Recognition that the sum of all minds serve in a better way than one mind will encourage people’s involvement.’

Debbie Nicol, MD of Dubai-based ‘business en motion’ moves businesses and leaders ahead through change. Specializing in leadership and change, one of her coaching and training methodologies is ‘The Leadership Challenge’ for which she is a Certified Master.

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Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme Marks its 25th Year with a New Milestone 76 falcons are released in Republic of Uzbekistan during the pandemic, with the programme’s total releases crossing the 2,000-mark since its launch in 1995 Despite the current challenges posed by the global pandemic, 76 falcons have been released into the wild this year as part of the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme (SZFRP), taking the total to more than 2,000 since the programme first launched in 1995.

Following the success of 11 releases in Kazakhstan in previous years, the programme moved to the Republic of Uzbekistan, where 64 Peregrine and 12 Sakr falcons were successfully released. This brings the total number of falcons released and benefitting from programme to 2,002 in its 25 years.

The programme, which is under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, aims to continue preserving the environmental legacy of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan by protecting the biodiversity and wildlife species.

The programme, which also operates under the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme The Source

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Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), is supervised by EAD in partnership with the International Fund for the Conservation of Houbara (IFCH) and Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH).

Prior to their release, all of the 76 falcons underwent a series of thorough medical examinations and extensive training under the supervision of Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital staff and received their final examination on the morning of the release.

As part of the procedure, the falcons were identified and implanted with an electronic chip. In addition, 6 Peregrines and 5 Sakrs were fitted with satellite-tracking devices, powered by solar energy, which will monitor survival, propagation rates and traditional migratory routes. It will also collect scientific data that will help develop methods for preparation, training, releasing and a selection of suitable sites for falcons every year.

To help promote the wildlife and support efforts to preserve falcons in their natural habitat, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi encourages all falconers and wildlife enthusiasts to participate in the SZFRP programme by donating their wild falcons, both Peregrine and Sakr, to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital at the end of the hunting season, or at any time of the year. The falcons will be examined, rehabilitated, and released according to the scientific regulations and protocols.

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Intertek Protek Launches Surface Hygiene Testing for Facilities and Workplaces in the UAE Intertek, a Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, has today announced that it has launched surface hygiene testing for facilities and workplaces in the UAE that can test a variety of hard surfaces for evidence of COVID-19. The service is the latest offering as part of Intertek Protek - the world’s first end-to-end health, safety and wellbeing assurance programme for people, workplaces and public spaces.

As employers and businesses across the country prepare to safely reopen their facilities, stringent hygiene standards will become mission critical. Environmental hygiene monitoring of key areas can provide a proactive approach to reducing the risk of spreading the virus and provide peace of mind to employees and customers. Specifically, by testing environmental surfaces, companies can monitor the effectiveness of their hygiene protocols and enable management action such as isolating areas to allow further cleaning.

The Protek service for surface hygiene testing can be performed by Intertek experts at customer sites by taking swabs of surface areas or through customers pre-ordering these and following instructions to collect the samples. The Intertek laboratories are based centrally in the UAE with rapid turnaround time for testing via PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) methodology, allowing the final results to be reported as soon as analysis is complete. This will enable customers to know if evidence of Covid-19 on their surfaces so they can act accordingly.

Intertek Protek’s innovative service offering is designed to support businesses across every sector including hotels, restaurants, transportation hubs and education facilities - all of which are facing the same fundamental challenge of protecting people in their working environment.

Matthew Skinner, Regional Managing Director for Gulf and Pakistan at Intertek, said: “We are working hard at Intertek to safeguard the The Source

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health, safety and well-being of people, workplaces and public spaces. We take pride in being able to support our customers in making their workplaces and facilities safe for employees and the public. Our latest surface hygiene solution is an essential part of the ongoing health and safety monitoring strategies that business owners will have to put in place. Proactive risk management when it comes to hygiene and surface testing provides them with confidence that they have all the right procedures in place.”

Based on Intertek’s unique, systemic approach to quality assurance, Protek is a comprehensive service offering, providing audits, training and service solutions across people, systems & processes, facilities, materials & surfaces and products. Protek includes end-to-end employee learning and certification solutions, services for operating systems and procedures, assessments of materials and surfaces and services to ensure products are made with quality, safety and sustainability in mind.

Learn more: https://www.intertek.com/protek/

CapaCare Protect: Caparol Arabia’s innovative anti-microbial paint tested and proven to help the fight against Coronavirus

Caparol Arabia, Middle East’s leading German paint manufacturer, today announced it has successfully tested CapaCare Protect, one of its flagship and innovative paint products, to demonstrate its use in the fight against Coronavirus. The tests were conducted in the United States and proved the efficacity of the solution in curbing the spread of coronavirus and other microbes. These tests follow the successful launch of the product in the UAE market in April 2020.

The premium interior emulsion CapaCare Protect is the only paint in the region with 99.9% kill rate against Human Coronavirus and H1N1 influenzae A. The reports were tested as per American and Japanese standards in two independent ISO 17025 laboratories in USA, approved and accredited by the International Antimicrobial Council.

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Martin Rosocha, Managing Director at Caparol Arabia said: “Caparol is committed to developing environmentally friendly solutions that contribute to comfortable living, healthier and more energy efficient spaces. Since the beginning of the pandemic, our expert solutions team have joined the fight against the virus with the introduction of CapaCare Protect, a premium anti-microbial paint suited for homes, hospitals, clinics and day-care centers. These efforts paid off and we have now proved that we have a solid solution that can effectively kill 99.9% of coronavirus particles. This is a ground-breaking development and we are delighted to now make the paint available across the region to secure and protect the walls of as many residents as we can.”

CapaCare Protect is manufactured in our production plant in the UAE and has already been used over the past three months on various projects including commercial, residential areas, hospitals and schools. The demand for the product is on the rise and its production is expected to further increase following the news around positive tests to combat coronavirus.

According to global real estate advisors Savills, the Middle East has seen an impressive rise in the number of construction projects over the past decade, and this number is only set to increase with close to USD two trillion worth of projects planned and in the pipeline in the region. In this context, modern methods of construction and the solutions employed will play a vital role in ensuring the sustainable development of our cities.

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The truth on male self-esteem and societal pressures

Aakanksha Tangri

Think back to the last time you saw a man cry or be publicly vulnerable. It’s not that often we come across a sight like that and when we do it often goes viral: the infamous meme of Michael Jordan crying or the headlines President Obama made after he teared up during a speech.

those as insults and why those are the standards you’re holding the man to. Be mindful of your home environment as children imbibe what they see around them — make an effort to ensure certain tasks such as cooking or looking after the kids aren’t only the responsibility of one parent.

For far too long, we’ve had the notion that a man, particularly in a leadership position, should be stoic and strong. A man is supposed to be the breadwinner, and a man who shoulders his responsibilities at home is half-jokingly labelled “whipped.” It’s time to change the narrative.

Regularly check in with your loved ones about their mental health and their well-being. If you know, they’ve had a rough day at work or are going through a difficult time in their personal life, reach out to them. Even a simple text can sometimes make a big difference. With you reaching out, they’ll know they have someone to turn to who will listen to them without judgement and offer support. You can also encourage them to go to a therapist or a support group, so they don’t have to navigate the ups and downs of mental health alone.

It’s time we embrace and acknowledge men who go through mental health challenges, the men who choose to stay at home to raise children and the men who open up about their emotions.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, men are more likely to die by suicide; however, they are less likely to seek help. Due to the stigma that surrounds mental health and male mental well-being, men often hesitate in seeking professional help or opening up to loved ones about what they’re going through.

This can also amplify feelings of low self-esteem as they continue a facade to maintain societal expectations.

If you have the privilege and power to speak up, do so. If you hear someone turn to misogynistic jargon, rely on gender stereotypes or mock a man for opening up about his feelings, speak up. If you have gone through your own mental health challenges, and are comfortable speaking about it, share your experience to let men know they’re not alone. The more dialogues we have around male mental health, the easier it will be to do away with the stigma and normalize conversations around the subject.

There are ways to combat this, and we all have a role to play in ensuring the pressures around men are ease.

It’s important we foster a safe space that allows people to be vulnerable without fear of being judged.

Gender sensitization should bring from birth and at home. Do you subconsciously make sure your child plays with toys perceived most suited for their gender? Dolls for girls and cars for boys. Blue and pink are thrust upon the child at birth, thus defining notions of masculinity and femininity from the start.

The next time you’re about to say “man up” or “don’t be such a girl” think about why you’re using The Source

For more information, please visit resetfest. com or follow up on Instagram: @resetfest and Twitter: @ReSet_Everyday.

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McDonald’s

launches scheduled Pick-Up Service in the UAE McDonald’s UAE has launched a new Pick-Up Service that allows customers to order their much-loved McDonald’s meals in advance, with a convenient option to suit their schedule.

By simply selecting the “Pick-Up Service” option on the McDonald’s app homepage, customers will be prompted to pick their meal options and restaurant of choice, where their order will be waiting when they arrive, safely packed and ready to go.

The innovative service, which is a new addition to the McDonald’s app in the UAE, is in keeping with the brand’s customer-centric ethos. Earlier in the year McDonald’s UAE implemented Contactless Delivery, which included cashless payment and social distancing drop-offs to ensure the safety of both its customers and delivery drivers. The new Pick-Up Service has been designed with convenience in mind for those who want their desired menu items without the wait.

“Over recent months we’ve seen double digit growth in orders placed via the McDonald’s app. With this in mind, it allows us to tailor our business offering to meet our customer’s needs, and the Pick-Up Service is a great example of that. With convenience at its core the service offers another way for our customers to get their hands on their favourite McDonald’s meals on the go,” said Walid Fakih, General Manager at McDonald’s UAE. “We appreciate that now more than ever people are time conscious which is why the PickUp Service provides a wait-free solution, whilst guaranteeing the same high level of service and safety standards that our customers expect from our restaurants,” added Fakih.

The Pick-Up Service is now live on the McDonald’s app with collection available at all McDonald’s restaurants across the UAE. The Source

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The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) releases image by KhalifaSat, of the wildfires burning through Northern and Central California The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) released an image captured from space by KhalifaSat, which shows the wildfires burning through Northern and Central California in the United States of America.

These are some of the largest wildfires in the history of California with firefighters and crews trying their best to bring it under control.

KhalifaSat was fully developed at MBRSC facilities by Emirati engineers and was launched to space in October 2018. It has 5 patents and seven space innovations making it the most advanced satellite of its category in the world. KhalifaSat provides images with specifications that meet the highest international standards in space images. These high-resolution detailed images help organisations in government and private sectors get accurate data which allow them to monitor environmental changes, detect the effects of global warming, ensure responsible urban planning and management, and aid relief efforts at times of natural disasters. This will contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals and improve the quality of life.

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Registrations open for

Ice Warrior Challenge XI The Challenge will take place on Sept 25 with a special ‘Ladies Only’ category included for the first time A popular event among obstacle course and adrenaline junkies, this year’s Ice Warrior Challenge XI will take place on September 25 on one of the toughest commando assault course at Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates, with participants expected to take on between 22 to 24 different icy obstacles like monkey bar swings, tyre runs and net crawls in sub-zero temperatures.

Being held since 2009, Ice Warrior Challenge XI is expected to be bigger, better and tougher than last year, when participants representing 28 different countries took part.

Registration for the event is open, but places are limited and selling fast. So interested participants need to be quick and register online at Ice Warrior 11. All categories offer limited places on a firstcome-first-served basis. The closing date for registration is September 19 or sooner if places sell out.

The event is open to all females and males, aged between 15 and 60, and organisers have announced a special “Ladies Only” category this year for women wishing to compete in a largely ‘ladies The Source

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only’ atmosphere, but there will be male and female staff around at the time. And probably some of the slower men from the previous group as well.

The other two categories include an Elite division, which is restricted to “extremely fit” men and women who can complete the course in under 25 minutes. The Elite group will be the first to challenge the course and they will be followed by the “Just For Fun” category for men and women, who will be divided into six different groups for a rolling start. The ‘Ladies Only’ group will be the last at the starting line.

The runners will start in socially-distanced groups of five, and they will have to be ready with their race number pinned to the front of their jerseys or jackets, and timing chips wrapped around their ankles, no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled start of their category.

All finishers will receive a finisher’s medal after they return their timing chip at the finish line, and all of them will receive a souvenir Ice Warrior t-shirt.

There will not be any other award or presentations.

In accordance with current COVID-19 protocols and regulations, no spectators will be permitted at the venue, and no family and friends are allowed as well. The participants, once they finish the race, will have to depart from the venue straight away, while respecting the social distancing measures at all time.

Like every year, part of the proceeds from the DXB Ice Warrior Challenge will go to a charity for their on-going mission to provide assistance to individuals, specifically children who are less fortunate and who were born or have developed a disability.

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The Ultimate Ice Driving Experience in Finland with OCTOLA This winter, OCTOLA, the most exclusive fivestar private wilderness in Finnish Lapland, introduces the Ultimate Ice Driving Experience under the guidance of Saudi Arabia’s rally driver, Rakan Al Rashed. Rakan is the first and only Arab in the world who will be giving lessons on ice driving during the Lapland winter. Experience the thrill of ice driving in a 4-wheel drive Subaru WRX STI in a private area covered with snow tracks to encourage controlled slides. The ice driving lessons will be supervised by Rakan along with qualified instructors for personalized, real-time coaching, adapted to the individual driving style. The driving packages are tailored to beginners looking to discover ice driving as well as professional drivers.

ence with close family and friends. Whether you book the entire cabin of 10 suites, or take a wing of 6 or 4 suites, the rates are all inclusive. Facilities include a private gym and fitness centre, unique hand carved wood-burning sauna and the freshest food cooked to your liking by your personal chef, private butler, and a wilderness guide. The food is all sourced locally and consisting mainly of wild plants, berries, mushrooms and fish, all local, pure and ecologically gathered from nature to the table by a Michelin star Chef, complemented by fine drinks chosen by one of the top sommeliers in Finland.

The 4 nights, 5-day package includes two full days of ice driving (9am -6pm) and one full day for other winter activities such as snowmobiling, fat biking, quad biking and more. The package includes accommodation at the ultra-luxurious cabin residence with all hospitality included.

This once in a lifetime winter experience is subject to availability with limited availability. To book your stay, visit https://www.octola.com/

Set in the middle of 300 hectares of private wilderness within the Arctic Circle, Octola is the perfect escape for those looking to immerse themselves in nature in absolute privacy and comfort. This ultra-luxury cabin residence is a secluded private space with all the ingredients for an out of this world unique holiday experi-

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A DAY PASS AT RIXOS Premium Saadiyat Island

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is now extending its popular all-inclusive day-cation package, previously available during the week only, to the weekends - providing unlimited fun in the sun in luxury surroundings.

The opulent five star resort invites guests to experience a full day with private beach access, coupled with Breakfast and lunch in Turquoise restaurants and unlimited refreshments at the Beach bar and Pool Bar. Guests can simply pack their wallets away and enjoy a well-deserved day of indulgence with family or friends.

Situated on the pristine white sands of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island offers the ideal escape with its premium facilities.

Please note the hotel has implemented enhanced hygiene protocols and stringent safety measures to protect the health and well-being of guests and employees, by launching a unique cleanliness and 29

prevention label: ALLSAFE, in line with ACCOR guidelines.

Terms & Conditions: · Timings: from 09:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs · The All-Inclusive Day-Cation offer includes the following: Pool and beach access Breakfast & Lunch at Turquoise restaurant inclusive of beverage menu All-inclusive unlimited beverages at the Beach Bar & Pool Bar · New rate is AED 359 per adult WEEKDAYS and AED 499 WEEKENDS (12 years & above), children (6 - 11 years) | 50% and below 5| free ·

Advance booking is required

·

For direct reservations, call 02 492 2222 or email at reservation.saadiyat@rixos.com.

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All-New Hyundai Tucson Adds Revolutionary Redesign Hyundai Motor Company today revealed the first images of its all-new Tucson. New design highlights include the latest evolution of Hyundai’s signature headlamp architecture called ‘Parametric Hidden Lights’ and a dual cockpit layout that offers personalized space intuitively optimized for a high-tech user experience.

The images hint at innovative features befitting Tucson’s signature boldness and pioneering spirit.

The allnew Tucson’s world premiere press c o n ference will be streamed online around the world on September 15th at 9:30 a.m. KST. The livestream, a teaser video and images are available at hyundai.com and Hyundai’s social media channels.

For its fourth generation, Hyundai took the all-new Tucson to the next level of automotive design, making it the first C-SUV in its class to be available in two different dimensions, while sharing the same name.

“The mission of ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ is to elevate the emotional qualities of automotive design. We want our customers to feel moved. With the all-new Tucson, we are introducing its ultimate evolution and a definitive statement The Source

about Hyundai’s unstoppable forward momentum,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center.

“Tucson’s advanced, experimental design is true to its pioneering spirit and raises the game in the industry’s most competitive segment.”

Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design identity, first introduced on the new Elantra, brings an emotional punch to Tucson’s avant-garde ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design theme.

The ‘Parametric Dynamics’ exterior that makes a strong first impression The all-new Tucson’s advanced exterior styling expresses what Hyundai designe r s

call ‘Parametric Dynamics’ with kinetic jewel-like surface 30

details that will have people doing a double take. Parametric Hidden Lights provide a strong first impression. These signature DRLs (daytime running lights) are seamlessly integrated into the jewel-like grille, only revealed when turned on.

Overall, the new Tucson’s body is bigger and wider than previous generation models, offering a long hood and short overhangs on a stretched wheelbase that give it a slinky coupé-like character.

From the side, angular body panels offer yet another inter-

pretation of parametric design. Chiseled surfaces create a striking contrast between sleek silhouette and masculine wedge, suggesting forward motion even when standing still. Taut athletic shapes seamlessly merge into angular wheel arches where alloy wheels provide a powerful and dynamic stance.

An ‘INTERSPACE’ with an integrated interface

Getting into the all-new Tucson’s spacious interior, or INTERSPACE, is like entering a neatly organized room where everyday concerns disappear, not unlike the feeling of a modern boutique hotel where your comfort and convenience are the utmost priority. In the new Tucson, space, technology and information intersect harmoniously.

The evolution of Tucson’s interior layout led

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to a lower instrument display and removal of the gauge cluster housing for a decluttered surface. Layered, sensuous forms reinforce the feeling of openness. The broad ridge of the dashboard blends seamlessly with the doors, wrapping around front occupants like a deep gorge. The vertically oriented, fully integrated center fascia descends to the console like a mighty waterfall. Twin silver garnish lines streaming from the center fascia to the rear doors harmonize neatly layered premium surface materials in complementary neutral tones.

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Experience a summer like nowhere else on Yas Island

child) offering complimentary admission for kids below 12yrs old accompanied by paying adult Price: Price for 1 Night 3* hotel stay with 1 park access starts from AED 308.25 per person based on double occupancy with breakfast for 2 Adults and 1 Child on sharing basis*. Terms and conditions apply** Valid to: 30th September 2020 Participating hotels: Rotana Yas Island, Staybridge Suites, Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Park Inn by Radisson Blu, W Abu Dhabi, Centro Yas Island, The Westin Abu Dhabi, Dusit Thani, Sheraton Corniche, Le, Meridien Abu Dhabi, Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche, Royal Rose Hotel, City season Al Hamra , Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Holiday Inn Downtown, Park Rotana, Beach Rotana, Khalidiya Palace, Pearl Rotana T&Cs: For cancellation requests made in less than 24 hours before check-in, or in case of no show, 100% of the applicable rate will be charged. Additional penalties may apply as per the hotels policies and regulations. **for full terms and conditions visit www. yasisland.ae Booking: www.yasisland.ae

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, has introduced even more ‘Stay and Play’ staycation packages this summer, offering something for every member of the family at its world-class theme parks, attractions and leisure experiences. With options for adrenaline junkies, petrol heads and golf fans alike, there is a day-out to suit every taste and tribe on Yas Island combined with stays at the capital’s best loved hotels.

Visitors can “scream if they want to go faster” on the world’s speediest rollercoaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, where kids under 12 go free with a paying adult. If getting behind the wheel of a real motor is favoured, then the newly revamped 1-km Yas Kartzone track provides the chance to left off some steam and put pedal to the metal. Or if a slower round is more the ticket, golf fans can take in 16-holes at one of the finest links courses in the world.

‘Stay and Play’ packages include more than 20 three, four and five-star hotel stays to choose from including Centro Yas Island, W Hotel Abu Dhabi and Rotana Yas Island. As UAE residents stay put for the summer, Yas Island promises fun like nowhere else and the perfect base to #RediscoverAbuDhabi.

For petrol heads Yas Island Play at Yas Marina Circuit Kart Zone Offer: One-night accommodation in single/double room with breakfast and 1x 15min karting session at Yas Kartzone Pax: Package price per adult based on two people sharing Price: Price for 1 Night 3* hotel stay with breakfast and 15min karting session from AED 235.25 (until 30th Sep) and AED 329.00 (from 1st Oct – 31st Dec) per

For big and little kids Kids Go Free at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Offer: One-night stay with hotel and access to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Pax: Family package (two adults and one The Source

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adult*. Terms and conditions apply** Valid to: 31st December 2020 Participating hotels: Rotana Yas Island, Staybridge Suites, Radisson Blu Yas Island, Park Inn by Radisson Blu, Centro Yas Island T&Cs: Drivers must be at least 5 years of age.

Summer schedule (16.30 – 11.30) – every day except Sun & Tues from now until end of Sept ii. Oct onwards (09.00 – 11.30) For cancellation requests made in less than 24 hours before check-in, or in case of no show, 100% of the applicable rate will be charged.

Additional penalties may apply as per the hotels policies and regulations. **for full terms and conditions visit www.yasisland.ae Booking: www.yasisland.ae For the adrenaline junkie ‘Stay and Play’ theme park package Offer: One, Two or Three-night stay with hotels and access of up to three theme parks

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Pax: Based on two people sharing Price: Prices for a 1 Night Hotel stay with 1 Park Access start from AED 308.25 per person sharing in double/twin room and based on a 3 star Yas Island hotel*. Terms and conditions apply** Prices for 2 Nights Hotel stay with 2 Parks Access start from AED 616.50 per person sharing in double/twin room and based on a 3 star Yas Island hotel*. Terms and conditions apply** Prices for 3 Nights Hotel stay with 3 Parks Access start from AED 924.75 per person sharing in double/twin room and based on a 3 star Yas Island hotel*. Terms and conditions apply** Valid to: 30 December 2020 Participating hotels: Rotana Yas Island, Staybridge Suites, Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Park Inn by Radisson Blu, W Abu Dhabi, Centro Yas Is-

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land, The Westin Abu Dhabi, Dusit Thani, Sheraton Corniche, Le, Meridien Abu Dhabi, Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche, Royal Rose Hotel, City season Al Hamra, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Holiday Inn Downtown, Park Rotana, Beach Rotana, Khalidiya Palace, Pearl Rotana T&Cs: For cancellation requests made in less than 24 hours before check-in, or in case of no show, 100% of the applicable rate will be charged. Additional penalties may apply as per the hotels policies and regulations. **for full terms and conditions visit www. yasisland.ae Booking: www.yasisland.ae

twin room and based on low season rates of hotels based in Abu Dhabi*. Terms and conditions apply** Valid to: 14th September 2021 Participating hotels: Rotana Yas Island, Staybridge Suites, Centro Yas Island, The Westin Abu Dhabi, Dusit Thani, Sheraton Corniche, Le, Meridien Abu Dhabi, Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche, Rixos Saadiyat, Rotana Saadiyat T&Cs: Upon arrival to golf course customers must present booking confirmation along with voucher in order to redeem booked game at specific tee time For cancellation requests made in less than 24 or 48 hours before check-in (depending on hotel), or in case of no show, 100% of the applicable rate will be charged. Additional penalties may apply as per the hotels policies and regulations. **for full terms and conditions visit www. yasisland.ae Booking: www.yasisland.ae

For the golf lover ‘Stay and Play’ golf package Offer: One night stay with hotels and access to one round of Golf at Yas Links Pax: Based on two people sharing Price: Prices for 1 Night Hotel stay with access to one round of Golf start from AED 480.00 per person sharing in double/

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To learn more about Yas Island’s attractions, guests can visit Yas Island website.

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INSURANCEMARKET.AE & SPOTII LAUNCH COST-FREE CAR INSURANCE PAYMENT SCHEME First-in-region ‘Insure Now, Pay Later’ payment plan expands offering to the UAE auto insurance market, with no interest, no cost and no catch Spotii, the innovative payment technology provider, continues its mission of helping everyone spread the cost of payments with no interest, no cost and no catch in a new partnership with the largest retail insurance provider in the UAE, InsuranceMarket.ae.

exclusive ‘Insure Now, Pay Later’ facility in partnership with the promising team at Spotii.”

With absolutely no hidden costs, fees or charges to consumers, Spotii’s first-to-market, industry-disrupting payment mechanism helps consumers spread the cost of vital vehicle insurance, without struggling to find the full payment in one go.

InsuranceMarket.ae is celebrated for its outstanding digital-first ability to help its customers save time and money when buying insurance and also at the time of a claim. With over 12,000 Google reviews and a 4.9 star rating out of 5, InsuranceMarket.ae’s partnership with Spotii provides clients with yet another benefit to add to their savings on insurance.

CEO Iqbal adds: “InsuranceMarket.ae shares our core philosophy of providing the consumer with convenience and affordability. We are thrilled to expand our offering in conjunction with such a renowned, trusted partner, and look forward to growing our offerings together. This is the beginning of a deep, long term and beneficial partnership for everyone.”

Spotii – which launched in April 2020 – will help those making online car insurance purchases spread the cost over four payments – with a 25% down payment, then an additional three payments, with its ‘Insure Now, Pay Later’ proposition that is exclusive to InsuranceMarket.ae.

Splitting payments in insurance is not a new concept, but Spotii and InsuranceMarket.ae are proud to have the region’s first payment-splitting offering which is committed to customer-centricity by not charging any additional fees in order for customers to benefit from the service.

For consumers, it’s as easy as paying with a debit or credit card at checkout; with a simple, fast and free sign up to Spotii, all InsuranceMarket.ae consumers need to do is click the Spotii payment option, and they will then make a quarter of the full payment, followed by another 25% payment every other week or month, with no hidden costs, fees or charges.

To find out more and to see where you can take advantage of the ever-growing range of innovative Spotii deferred payment offerings, visit spotii.me.

To save on insurance for your car, health, home, life, travels or business, visit InsuranceMarket.ae and get a comparison of exclusive quotes from the leading insurance companies in the UAE.

Spotii CEO Anuscha Iqbal says: “Car insurance is obviously vital, and we appreciate how it’s one area where a lot of consumers really feel the pain of full payment upfront. Forming a partnership with the UAE’s largest, most well-known insurance providers to help people by introducing ‘Insure Now, Pay Later’ is a proud moment for me and the Spotii team. We are working tirelessly to help people make life more affordable – and InsuranceMarket.ae is now part of our pain-free payment family.”

Avinash Babur, CEO of InsuranceMarket.ae, adds: “We are committed to providing our clients simple yet innovative ways to save time and money when buying insurance and we are pleased to launch our 35

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Parents must turn to children’s wellness needs ahead of school reopening The Child Safety Department (CSD), an affiliate of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, has emphasised the crucial role of parents in preparing children, both emotionally and physically, as they head back to school for the new academic year.

With both public and private schools in the UAE announcing plans to welcome students back, whether on campus, via distance learning, or a blended learning model, CSD will continue to host a series of workshops throughout August as part of its ‘Child Safety’ summer camp, which will be led by social, psychological, and childcare experts, to give a both children and parents a sense of what to anticipate. The sessions will also inform parents on ways to allay their children’s fears.

Hanadi Saleh Al Yafei, CSD Director, pointed out that following a prolonged period of staying at home in line with the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease, easing children back into the school environment could be challenging.

She said: “Preparing children to start for school places a high level of responsibility on parents.

They must pay heed to the complex emotions a child goes through to reacquaint with new routines and structures, including the practice of physical distancing. From social skills and discipline to emotional health issues, parents must address several aspects to allay the fears and concerns of their young ones while also encouraging them to adhere to all precautionary measures adopted by the schools.”

“An open dialogue with children is an ideal way to acknowledge their feelings, understand their specific concerns and general anxieties. Ask The Source

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questions, listen carefully, and reassure them by talking about the ongoing preventative measures being implemented across the UAE. Parents also ought to instill in them the importance of staying vigilant and safe,” Al Yafei added.

Al Yafei also urged parents to remind them that they could look forward to reuniting with their friends and classmates as they move up to the next grade, adding: “Having a positive attitude is key. Express clearly how proud you are of your kids for the commitment they showed towards all safety protocols you exercised at home and outside.”

“A fun activity would be to ask children to visualise themselves in the classroom setting and act out how they would maintain physical distancing. Emphasise the importance of washing hands regularly, maintaining personal hygiene, sanitising desks and items of stationery frequently in addition to ensuring that they do not share their personal articles with others,” she explained further.

“Parents can begin by taking their kids out to several public destinations across the UAE where precautionary measures are enforced. Planning a picnic or a trip can also be useful to break the barrier of fear among anxious kids,” said Al Yafei.

The CSD Director further cautioned parents against transferring their heightened feelings of anxiety on to their children, pointing out that as children frequently imitate the actions of their elders, all family members should act as role models at home while practicing safety protocols.

Details of the workshops and other events scheduled for August are available on CSD’s social media channels: @childsafetyuae.

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Al Wathba Wetland Reserve nominated for Middle East’s Responsible Tourism Award The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced that Al Wathba Wetland Reserve was nominated for the Middle East’s Responsible Tourism Award, part of the 27th World Annual Travel Awards. The reserve was selected because of its excellence and responsible approach to tourism where visitors can enjoy biodiversity without harming ecosystems and the environment.

Ahmed Al Hashemi, Acting Executive Director, Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity said: “We are so pleased that Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is one of the three finalists in the World Annual Travel Awards, and more so that we were selected for the category of Responsible Tourism. We have always strived to ensure that all our environmental work is recognised beyond the borders of the UAE and that we meet global standards in whatever we do.”

“We encourage everyone to vote for Al Wathba Wetland Reserve which is the only site in the Arabian Gulf where the Greater Flamingo breeds regularly since 2011, is recognised as a Ramsar Site and was the first International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) green-listed site in the region in 2018”, Al Hashemi said.

serve in their thousands to enjoy the warm weather during the winter months, with some remaining all year round. There are approximately 4,000 flamingos residing on the reserve alone. The reserve was opened to the public in 2014 and now receives over 7,000 visitors per season.

To vote for Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, simply click on the following link: https://www.worldtravelawards. com and register your account. Scroll to the nominees, select the Middle East region, search for the category for Responsible Tourism and select Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. Voting is open until the 10th of September.

The World Annual Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry, and considered the Oscars of the global travel and tourism industry.

Established in 1998 by the late Sheikh Zayed, Founder of the UAE, the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a nature reserve consisting of both natural and man-made bodies of water located 40 km southeast of central Abu Dhabi.

Covering a total of 5 square km, the wetlands are comprised of wetlands, salt flats, fossilized sands and dunes, and are densely packed with a variety of animal and plant species.

The reserve is renowned for its spectacular flamingo population, which flock to the reThe Source

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Birds Of Prey Flying In The Sky Of Al Ain Zoo Again As a part of its gradual reopening to the public, Al Ain Zoo returns with some experiences includes giraffe feeding, parrot show, and the birds of prey show “Wings of the Sahara”. Internal transport services via golf carts and trains, the Ahlan Special Service and Al Maha Royal, are available for visitors.

Omar Mohammed Al Ameri, director of operations in Al Ain Zoo, said: “We have gradually started receiving visitors last week in zoo and Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre with providing some experiences and services. This week, we have expanded to provide more experiences and services for visitors. This decision came after we made sure of the zoo’s readiness to receive visitors while implementing all precautionary measures and ensuring visitors’ awareness of and commitment to following these measures.”

means, physical distancing, and electronic reservation of tickets through the zoo’s website or smartphone application to ensure that everyone enjoys various zoo experiences safely.

The zoo is open to visitors from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, and the capacity has been limited to no more than 1,800 visitors per day

He added, “We have been keen to implement health and safety standards by following approved health practices, such as sanitizing all zoo facilities, providing information to employees and visitors regarding the prevention of COVID-19, and following other safety and public health measures.” He requests all visitors to cooperate and fully adhere to all necessary precautionary measures, such as the use of personal protection

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Al Ain Zoo offers special services for elderly visitors and people of determination Al Ain Zoo aims to provide a full range of amazing entertainment and experiences for all its visitors of all different segments and ages, especially for elderly and people of determination.

It also offers special and free services that are designed according to the highest safety standards.

tors’ requests.”

Al Ain Zoo continuously partners and collaborates with various institutions and organizations that are concerned with people of determination through hosting events and activities, training people of determination, providing them job opportunities that match their capabilities and qualifications, and supporting their social integration to fully interact with their peers.

Omar Mohammed Al Ameri, Director Operations in Al Ain Zoo said: “Al Ain Zoo is always committed to provide special services and excellent support and convenience to all visitors, especially for elderly over the age of 70 to ensure that they have joyful experiences and memorable tours at the Zoo’s wonderful facilities. It is our top priority to provide a healthy and welcoming environment for all our guests and maintain the highest standards of safety at all times among our visitors of all different segments and ages.”

He added: “The safety of our visitors is of the utmost importance to us. Thus, Al Ain Zoo provides free admission for people of determination and elderly visitors as well as a complimentary ticket for Al Ain Safari - truck trip, which require a prior reservation. Most of our facilities are free of physical barriers and obstacles. Wheelchairs are available, and it can be arranged upon request at the Guest Happiness office, as well as accessible parking spaces, which are close to the entrance of the zoo. Additionally, Al Ain Zoo is also dedicated to providing wonderful experience that connects people of determination to wildlife and conservation. Al Ain Zoo also provides sign language interpreters, which can be arranged upon visi-

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Al Ain Zoo supports global partnerships for wildlife conservation Al Ain Zoo has achieved great success in building partnerships and creating opportunities for cooperation with a number of institutions and organizations working for the conservation of endangered species globally. Some of the zoo’s main partnerships are with Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, in Kenya; Marwell Wildlife; the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland; and Zoological Information Management Software (ZIMS). In addition, the zoo works with the Sahara Conservation Fund, in Niger, to protect animals that are highly endangered by overgrazing and habitat loss.

Lisa Marie Banfield - Unit Head Conservation Research Development in the Life Sciences Department said that: “Since its founding, Al Ain Zoo has been committed to efforts to protect endangered animals, and it has participated in many local and global initiatives to achieve this goal. It does this through its campaigns and various activities to educate the public on the importance of preserving endangered animals and encourages them to participate in efforts that support the protection of wildlife and which ensure the rights of endangered animals to live in the wild in their natural habitats.”

She added: “Al Ain Zoo is working with Marwell Wildlife and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to study the genetics of the Addax, working towards a global metapopulation management system. This approach aims to manage and reduce inbreeding that increases the long-term possibility of extinction. Al Ain Zoo has sent samples taken from its Addax to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland for genetic analysis. When the analysis is complete, it will sponsor a workshop in Tunisia to present the results and recommend policies for the preservation of this Critically Endangered species.”

“Working in partnership with Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, in 2014 the zoo named two newborn lion cubs in the Kenyan Reserve, Yas and Delma. Yas and Delma were fitted with GPS radio collars supplied through Al Ain Zoo’s support to track and monitor the movements and diets of large carnivores. . In addition to an employee exchange between the zoo and the Kenyan Reserve, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy embraces a number of endangered species, such as African lions, elephants, and rhinoceroses.”

Regarding the zoo’s the experience with the Sahara Conservation Fund, in Niger, Lisa said: “the zoo supports and promotes the Fund’s efforts to protect vultures and dama gazelles. The zoo also maintains its international commitments with zoos and global environmental organizations, such as ZIMS, the only global program used to maintain animal information around the world. The zoo contributes to this database of more than 3,800 animals, 30% of which belong to endangered species.”

Al Ain Zoo gives regional and local partnerships special attention as well, such as its alliances with the Supreme Council for the Environment, in the Kingdom of Bahrain, to exchange experiences with the Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve. Al Ain Zoo also provides many opportunities for graduate students to participate in research and other projects in the fields of nature conservation and the protection of endangered species.

In addition to collaborations with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the zoo has recently received global praise from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums for its pioneering efforts to provide the highest standards of animal care during the Covid-19 pandemic and to maintain business continuity, despite crisis conditions.

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Junior Jokes Q: What did the ground say to the earthquake?

A: You crack me up!

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Junior Jokes Q: Why did the music teacher need a ladder?

A: To reach the high notes.

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Junior Jokes Q: What did the pen say to the pencil?

A: So, what’s your point?

WORD SEARCH

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You get what you excpect, so make sure you expect what you want